This evening marks the change from Yom Hazikaron (The Day of Rememberance for all who have fallen for the protection of Israel) to Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). In celebration of this tremendous occasion, I urge everyone to attend a celebration, a concert, a street fair, or any event to commemorate this wonderful day.

In light of this special day, the deabte often ensues about whether or not Jews should say Hallel (the special additional verses of praise to God that is added to the morning prayers). There is further debate about whether to say it with a blessing or sans blessing, and there are even issues with whether or not to say a complete Hallel.

So say Hallel. With a bracha, without a bracha. You don’t want to recite those perakim? – choose other perakim. But stand before God, and feel the emotion of gratitude, and express it in the classic religious manner – recite Hallel, dance and sing, praise God with a seudat Mitzva.

On this occasion of Israel’s sixtieth…

“Hodu Lashem ki Tov, Ki Leolam Chasdo!”

“Give thanks to Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness endures forever.”